Harvard University's Hasty Pudding theater troupe, the nation's oldest collegiate theatrical group, will allow women to join next year.The 223-year-old troupe is known for comedic revues where men play female characters. The group's student president made the announcement before the comedic roast of actress Mila Kunis, who was named the organization's Woman of the Year. "While we have great respect for the art form as it's been presented by the Pudding for over 170 years, the world is in a very different place. We are very proud to take this organization forward as a leader in women's rights and gender equality," said student president Amira Weeks.Students and alumni have been asking for a change in policy for years. Women have auditioned for past roles, but none have been cast.The actress said the casting policy change influenced her decision to accept the honor. "I wouldn't be here otherwise," she said. "It was something very important to me. This is something this program always wanted to do. It was something that was going to happen inevitably." Hasty Pudding has been naming a Woman of the Year since 1951. Previous winners include Elizabeth Taylor, Anne Hathaway, Julianne Moore, Octavia Spender and Helen Mirren.

The 223-year-old troupe is known for comedic revues where men play female characters.

The group's student president made the announcement before the comedic roast of actress Mila Kunis, who was named the organization's Woman of the Year.

"While we have great respect for the art form as it's been presented by the Pudding for over 170 years, the world is in a very different place. We are very proud to take this organization forward as a leader in women's rights and gender equality," said student president Amira Weeks.

Students and alumni have been asking for a change in policy for years. Women have auditioned for past roles, but none have been cast.

The actress said the casting policy change influenced her decision to accept the honor.

"I wouldn't be here otherwise," she said. "It was something very important to me. This is something this program always wanted to do. It was something that was going to happen inevitably."

Hasty Pudding has been naming a Woman of the Year since 1951. Previous winners include Elizabeth Taylor, Anne Hathaway, Julianne Moore, Octavia Spender and Helen Mirren.